The Blog

Love Is A Who Not A What

Love is not an emotion, nor is it an action, it is in fact a Who. 1John 4:8 says, “God is love”.

If you want a picture of what love looks like, look at God;if you want an example of what love acts like, follow God’s actions; and if youwant insight in what love desires, seek the will of God.

What Does Love Look Like?

Love is bright.

Love doesn’t walk in darkness; it pushes back thedarkness. Think about a time whenyou have felt sincerely loved by someone else. Did the room seem to get a little brighter? Even as I’m writing this, I’m thinkingabout my wife, and the light in the room is increasing. Did you know that when we love othersor are loved by others, not just romantic love, but family love, friendship,and godly love, our pupils dilate and let in more light? Why do you suppose God designed us thatway?

God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If wesay that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie anddo not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in theLight, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Soncleanses us from all sin. (1John 1:5-7)

What Does Love Act Like?

Love is sacrificial.

Love is not selfish; it gives freely of itself. Do you remember the song, “I would do anything for love?” Think about those in your life that youlove. What lengths would you bewilling to go to for them? I’mguessing they’d be pretty far, even up to the point of making the ultimatesacrifice if they were in danger. Did you know that when we experience love, our brains have a lower-levelof a chemical called serotonin, similar to those who have obsessive-compulsivedisorders, which scientists believe leads to the compulsive selflessness lovebrings on? Why do you suppose Goddesigned us that way?

This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as Ihave loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his lifefor his friends. (John15:12-13)

What Does Love Desire?

Love is righteous.

Love does not rejoice in evil; it loves the things of Godand goodness. When you think aboutthose you love in life, do you think about all the horrible things they’ve doneto you, or do you always think about their good qualities? And not just that, but when we lovesomeone, we tend to act better toward them. Again we can look at God’s design in our bodies and see thatwhen we genuinely love others, oxytocin is released, which is believed toheighten trust, reduce fear, and increase empathy and generosity. Why do you suppose God designed us thatway?

The answer can again be found in scripture:

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See thatnone render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good,both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesusconcerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove allthings; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. (1Thessalonians 5:14-22)

In this list of righteousness in 1 Thessalonians, verse 18says that these things are the will of God; these are things love desires.

God designed us to have these kinds of chemical reactions tolove because He is love, and we were made in His image for His purposes. Beloved, let us love one another, forlove is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The onewho does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1John 4:7-8)

Did you know you can “like” this post by clicking the thumbs up?

Would you like to help us improve this year? Click here: http://bit.ly/w2HgTh

Like this:

Related

About Post Author

Stephen Porter is currently an English instructor with the University of Phoenix. He has worked on staff with the ministry group Pulse Outreach as a grant writer, editor, and events coordinator. He is also active in his home church in evangelism, outreach, and discipleship classes. Most of all, Stephen Porter is a follower of Jesus Christ. A former atheist, Stephen turned to God after he lost everything in pursuit of “The American Dream,” and he called out for God to show Himself. Much to his surprise, God spoke audibly to him. He said, “Give up everything you love and follow Me.” Stephen sold everything he had and gave it all away for the sake of Christ to the point of being homeless for three months. God restored and reconciled with him, and now Stephen is happily married with one son living in Brownsville, TX, serving the only One worthy of glory, forever and ever. Amen.